Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) have condemned the directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya for all television and radio stations to cease live coverage of the ongoing June 25 demonstrations that marked the first anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, the leaders reiterated that the freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution and cannot be arbitrarily revoked by the government.
“We have just received news that CA has ordered the closure of TV stations. We want to remind them that this is unacceptable. As we speak, we are in sync with LSK and have moved to court to stop this nonsense,” Kalonzo stated.
“The whole world is open and Kenyans want to know. Even if he closes down all TV stations, what about Kenyans with mobile phones?”
In the directive, CA cited that the live coverage of the demonstrations contravenes Articles 33 (2) and 34 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya which indicates that the right of freedom of expression is not absolute as it does not extend to propaganda for war, hate speech, incitement to violence or ethnic incitement.
In response, Kalonzo deemed that Article 35 of the Constitution guarantees Kenyans the right to access information.
“Kenyans have the right under Article 35 to information. The Article CA quoted 33 and 34 are very clear that the freedom of the press is guaranteed. You cannot arbitrarily take away that freedom. We must ask William Ruto what is he afraid of,” Kalonzo noted.
He questioned the government’s motive for obstructing live coverage, indicating that without it, acts of violence against protesters could go unnoticed. He posed: “We must ask William Ruto what is he afraid of?”
Echoing his sentiments, Wamalwa claimed that CA’s orders could be an indicator of the government deploying the military to deal with the protesters.
He referenced last week’s incident where peaceful demonstrations in Nairobi CBD turned chaotic when goons were unleashed on the protesters.
“There is a reason why William Ruto wants this blackout. People have come out to reject this system and the injustices. I suspect he wants to unleash the military on the citizens,” he claimed.
“As we speak, we are aware they are stationed at Nyayo stadium, a time is coming when he can unleash them. He is still using the same order of last year that gives him the power to deploy.”
The June 25th protests have been marked by confrontation between protesters and police officers across several counties.
Protesters thronged the streets, chanting and voicing their frustrations with the government, actions that many term as a reflection of the administration’s failure to lead effectively.
